Dickens' Clock

This is the text of a much loved label now missing from Dickens House - its a letter he wrote about his malfunctioning clock. The energy level to write something this funny for an audience of 1!

My Dear Sir

Since my hall clock was sent to your establishment to be cleaned it has gone as (indeed it always has) perfectly well, but has struck the hours with great reluctance and after enduring internal agonies of the most distressing nature it's has now ceased to striking altogether. Though a happy released for the clock, this is not convenient
to the household.

If you can send down any confidential person with whom the clock may confer, I think it may have something on its works it would be glad to make a clean breast of.

faithfully yours

C. Dickens